Quota for Ex-Agniveers in CAPF Will Not Affect Existing Reservation Matrix

Context:
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has enhanced the reservation for ex-Agniveers in recruitment to Group C posts in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The decision aims to provide post-service employment pathways under the Agnipath Scheme, while ensuring that the existing caste-based reservation framework remains unchanged.

Key Highlights:

Policy Decision on Reservation for Ex-Agniveers:

• The Home Ministry increased reservation for ex-Agniveers in CAPF Group C posts from 10% to 50%.

• Specifically, 50% of vacant Constable posts in the Border Security Force (BSF) will be reserved for ex-Agniveers.

• The first batch of Agniveers recruited under Agnipath (2022) will become eligible for CAPF recruitment in 2026.

Reservation Matrix and Supreme Court Cap:

• Government clarified that this enhancement will not disturb the existing caste-based reservation matrix.

• Existing formula for CAPF recruitment:

  • 15% for Scheduled Castes (SC)

  • 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST)

  • 27% for Other Backward Classes (OBC)

• The caste-based reservation cannot exceed the 50% ceiling fixed by the Supreme Court (Indra Sawhney case, 1992).

• Therefore, the ex-Agniveer quota is being designed within the permissible constitutional framework.

Implementation Modalities Under Consideration:

• The government is still examining whether the ex-Agniveer reservation will be:

  • Horizontal reservation (across categories like women, ex-servicemen), or

  • Vertical reservation (separate category like SC/ST/OBC).

• This distinction is crucial for ensuring compliance with constitutional limits.

Recruitment Conditions for Ex-Agniveers:

• Ex-Agniveers will be:

  • Exempted from Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

  • Required to appear for the written examination

  • Must meet minimum educational qualification of Class 10

Employment and Social Concerns:

• Concerns raised that reserving half of constable vacancies may reduce opportunities for:

  • Youth preparing for CAPF exams

  • Aspirants from rural and economically weaker backgrounds

• Raises broader debates on balancing:

  • Defence reform objectives

  • Fair access to public employment

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Reservation for ex-Agniveers in CAPF recruitment.

• Government Initiative:

  • Enhanced quota from 10% → 50%

• Key Forces Covered: CAPFs under Ministry of Home Affairs

• Challenges:

  • Defining horizontal vs vertical quota

  • Ensuring constitutional compliance

• Impact:

  • Assured employment pathway for Agnipath recruits

  • Potential crowding out of civilian aspirants

Relevant Mains Points:

• Facts & Provisions:

  • Agnipath Scheme (2022): Four-year service tenure in armed forces.

  • CAPF reservation follows constitutional categories with SC/ST/OBC quotas.

• Keywords & Conceptual Clarity:

  • Horizontal Reservation, Vertical Reservation, Equality of Opportunity (Article 16), Supreme Court 50% Cap

• Governance Perspective:

  • Policy must balance defence manpower reform with inclusive recruitment.

• Way Forward:

  • Transparent classification of quota type

  • Protect opportunities for non-Agniveer aspirants

  • Expand CAPF vacancies to accommodate both groups

  • Periodic review of Agnipath rehabilitation mechanisms

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS 2: Polity, reservation policy, constitutional provisions

• GS 3: Internal security, CAPF recruitment, defence reforms

• Prelims: CAPF structure, Agnipath scheme, reservation types